|
|
Print-friendly version
Cefalu
 Cefalu is the younger sister that sits in the shadow of Taormina, just over an hour by train from Palermo, this coastal town is now one of the top spots on the Tyrrhenian coast. A wonderful place to spend a couple of days, experiencing the medieval streets, the historic sights and the limestone massif of “La Rocca” which dominates the town.
Its origins go back to the 5th centaury when the Greeks established an early settlement. It was know as Kephalos, from the Greek for horse, after the rock above the town “La Rocca” which was supposed to have resembled a horse’s head. When the Arabs invaded in the 8th centaury many of it’s inhabitants fled to the sanctuary of the top of “La Rocca” The fortifications of which are still visible today and provide an unforgettable view of the town, the Madonie mountains behind and the coast to either side.
One of the many highlights is The “Duoma di Cefalu”, an Arab-Norman Cathedral which was built by Roger II as a thank you for the salvation of his fleet in the 12 century. Legend has it that the cathedral was also built as a result of Roger’s stormy relationship with the archbishop in Palermo, Walter of the Mill, who was a strong supporter of the Pope. Roger II wanted to restrict the influence of the archbishop who had just built the “Capella Palatina” situated in “Palazzo dei Normanni” in Palermo. It is not certain who had the last laugh as Roger II, in conflict with his final wish, to be buried in Cefalu was buried in Palermo’s cathedral. 
The fascinating and photogenic medieval “lavatoio” ( wash house) are built in the 16th centuary on the course of the fresh water spring and were used by the local Cefalu women up until the late 1960’s for washing clothes.
The town is a splendid place for a walk or a swim. The picturesque port is lined with fishing boats where you can occasionally find a lonely fisherman mending his nets. In the summer the newly erected bars and restaurants along the beach’s edge are very popular for the evening “passeggiata” or stroll.
|
|
